GIS based method for mapping actual LULC by combining seasonal LULCs

Abstract

One of the most significant applications of remote sensing data is to prepare land use and land cover (LULC) maps. LULC maps are always affected by seasonality and a single LULC map of a particular month is prepared to represent a year in most of the research, especially in change detection research. This does not represent the real view of the landscape because the seasonal variation of different LULC types is always overlooked. Considering the issue, the current method aims to solve the problem by incorporating seasonal LULC using the raster overlay method to remove the seasonality effect on LULC classification. To apply this method, a minimum of two seasonal LULC maps is required for a single study year. The map needs to overlay and then reclassify according to the stable and rotational LULC pattern of the study area. This method will replicate the actual LULC pattern of a study area from satellite images. Summary of the method is as follows:•LULC of each season was classified using image classification technique.•LULC of each seasons are coded and combined using overlay technique.•Combined map is reclassified to prepare the actual LULC map.